Acts 15:2
What does Acts 15:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 15:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 15:2 means
Paul and Barnabas resisted the teaching fiercely, recognizing that tying salvation to circumcision empties the cross of its sufficiency. The church in Antioch, valuing unity and truth, appointed them and others to go to Jerusalem to consult the apostles and elders. This shows a humble, communal approach to doctrinal conflict: not unilateral decisions or schism, but seeking counsel from recognized leaders who had walked with Jesus and shepherded the church from the beginning. It also shows confidence that the same Lord at work in Antioch is guiding the church in Jerusalem. The journey demonstrates both pastoral prudence and theological seriousness.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and questioning with them, the brethren appointed that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
KJV
King James Version · 1611When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and questioning with them, the brethren appointed that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And after Paul and Barnabas had had no little argument and discussion with them, the brothers made a decision to send Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them to the Apostles and the rulers of the church at Jerusalem about this question.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862there having been, therefore, not a little dissension and disputation to Paul and Barnabas with them, they arranged for Paul and Barnabas, and certain others of them, to go up unto the apostles and elders to Jerusalem about this question,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when Paul and Barnabas had no small contest with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of the other side should go up to the apostles and priests to Jerusalem, about this question.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890A commotion therefore having taken place, and no small discussion on the part of Paul and Barnabas against them, they arranged that Paul and Barnabas, and certain others from amongst them, should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question.
Context
Following the false claim of verse 1, Antioch becomes a battleground of ideas. Rather than allowing the dispute to fester, the church sends a delegation to the mother church. This transition prepares the reader for a formal council, where eyewitness testimony and Scripture will be brought to bear. The verse bridges the local debate with the broader, apostolic community, underscoring that this issue affects all churches, not just Antioch. The next verses describe the journey and the reception in Jerusalem.
v.1And certain men came down from Judæa and taught the brethren, saying, Except ye be circumcised after the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
v.2This passage
v.3They therefore, being brought on their way by the church, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 15:27
We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who themselves also shall tell you the same things by word of mouth.
- Galatians 2:1
Then after the space of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus also with me.
- Acts 21:18
And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.
- Jude 1:3
Beloved, while I was giving all diligence to write unto you of our common salvation, I was constrained to write unto you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints.
- Galatians 2:5
to whom we gave place in the way of subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
- Acts 15:22
Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men out of their company, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
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